As many of you know, I am the proud Step Mama to an amazing six year old little boy.

What you may not know, is the difficulties I face as a Step Mama. The challenges, the frustration and the pain associated with this role are ones I don’t often discuss, because when taken out of context, or misunderstood, my words can seem as if I’m miserable, unhappy or as if I don’t want to be where I am and that simply is not the case.

For the past six years, I have quietly searched for a Christian Step Mama’s support group.  A place where I can share my heart, receive encouragement, be understood & validated.  After searching with no avail, when (in)courage invited me to become a small group leader this Spring, the Holy Spirit reminded me of my own search & prompted me to apply to lead a Step Mama’s group.

I was surprised and excited when I received an email thanking me for my interest in leading a group & giving me the contact information for my new co-leader, Diane.  I immediately emailed her!  We each shared our story and wept as we read each others words.  Oh the joy that comes from being validated, understood, and knowing I am not alone!

This opportunity reminds me of the Biblical story of Goliath, a mighty giant, who everyone feared. Then there was David, a mere shepherd boy.  He was small & didn’t appear to have what was necessary to fight the taunting giant.  However, God chose David to slay Goliath!  King Saul tried to prepare David, by giving him his own armor for protection.

“I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off.
1 Samuel 17:39

David, with  Godly wisdom knew his only chance of beating Goliath was to fight the way he knew best.

“You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin.
But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 
…
the Lord does not save with sword and spear;
for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
1 Samuel 17:45-47

David exemplified what happens when we prepare ourselves with the Armor of God, rather than relying on our own strength, or the strength of men.

I am humbled & excited for the opportunity God has provided, for me to co-lead a group of Step Mama’s through this difficult, God-ordained season of life.  I may not feel qualified to be a Step Mama or leader, but I serve a God who has armed me with His Strength & Wisdom.  He’s given me a heart that longs to create a safe haven for Step Mama’s.  A place where we can go when we are hurting & looking to be heard, understood, encouraged & receive prayer.  A place to be reminded that just as God has called us to this roll, He will equip us with all we need for the journey! We truly are here, “For Such a Time As This.” Esther 4:14

If you, or someone you know, is looking for Godly support, feel free to sign up or pass the information along by clicking here: Step Mama’s.  If you’re not a Step Mama, but are looking to find a small group, with over 70 different groups to choose from, the (in)courage community is the place for you!! Registration opens today, Monday 5/19/2014 & closes Thursday 5/22/2014.